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What does the sector consist of?

The Publishers Association divides the publishing industry into three broad categories: 

• Consumer (trade) publishing – producing books for the general public, including fiction, non-fiction and children's titles sold through bookshops and online retailers.  

• Educational publishing – developing learning materials, textbooks and digital resources for schools, colleges, universities and training providers.  

• Academic and professional publishing – creating scholarly books, journals and specialist information resources that support research, higher education and professional practice. 

Because publishing is a competitive career area, a range of organisations provide information about the industry, career paths and networking opportunities, including

Although many people associate publishing primarily with books, the industry also produces a wide variety of content and information services. These include journals, magazines, newsletters, databases, directories, business information products, digital resources and audiobooks.

What's next in the publishing sector?

Research by the Publishers Association consistently shows that the UK is the world's largest exporter of physical books, with publishing remaining one of the UK's most successful creative industries. According to a Publishers Association , the UK publishing industry supports over 80,000 jobs across direct, indirect and induced employment and contributes significantly to the UK economy through exports and intellectual property.  

The Publishers Association continues to emphasise the importance of the industry. Its latest industry reports highlight publishing's resilience and global influence, with export revenues accounting for approximately 63% of total UK publishing income. In 2024, UK publishing generated £7.2 billion in revenue, with exports worth £4.5 billion.  

Academic publishing remains a crucial part of the sector and has been a major driver of long-term growth. The Publishers Association has previously noted that academic publishing generated the majority of industry turnover growth since 2010. Today, academic publishing encompasses textbooks, scholarly monographs, reference works and journals, with digital delivery now dominant in many areas. In 2024, academic publishing generated approximately £3.5 billion in revenue, of which £2.7 billion came from export markets.  

Digital technology continues to transform both publishing and reading. Publishers increasingly develop content for multiple formats and platforms, while readers access content through print, e-books, digital learning environments, journal platforms and audio. Across the industry, digital revenues grew by 6% in 2024, demonstrating the continued shift towards digital consumption.  

Audiobooks remain one of the fastest-growing areas of publishing. While audiobook revenue reached £164 million in 2022, the market has grown substantially since then. Revenue increased to £206 million in 2023, before rising by a further 31% to a record £268 million in 2024. Audiobooks are now firmly established as a major format for readers and listeners.  

Publishers are also experimenting with new technologies that extend the traditional reading experience. Developments in interactive digital content, enhanced e-books, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are creating opportunities for more immersive forms of storytelling and learning. Mobile-first content and app-based publishing are likewise attracting renewed interest as publishers seek to engage audiences on the platforms they use most frequently.  

AI in the Publishing Sector

 Artificial intelligence (AI) represents another significant growth area. Publishers increasingly view AI as an opportunity to support research discovery, improve content discoverability, strengthen copyright protection, enhance market intelligence and streamline business processes. Across consumer, educational and academic publishing, AI is being explored as a tool to support both creators and readers while enabling new forms of content development and delivery.

Employers

The sector includes major publishing companies such as: 

Small independent publishing houses

• - local Leicestershire children's publisher
• - Nottingham-based publisher
• – independent children’s publisher 

Academic publishers

Newspapers and magazine publishers

Roles

There are many different roles available within the publishing industry, from editing to contracts and rights.

Some key roles are highlighted here, along with useful websites for further research to allow you to explore jobs in the sector more widely. Entry-level routes often have 'assistant' in the job title, for example, editorial assistant, marketing assistant and production assistant. The Publishers Association is a good source of information.

The Publishers Association provides links to a range of blog posts about  as well as a usefull  detailing the life of a book, from concept through to final publication, which showcases the various roles involved at each stage.

What skills do I need? 

Skill sets are changeable and have shifted dramatically in five years. Certain roles may rely on data analysis skills or benefit from coding knowledge whereas in other areas of the industry an awareness of digital marketing skills is advantageous. Identifying trends and technical skills are important today, especially in editorial work. Skills requirements will vary depending on the role, but key skills include excellent spelling and grammar, enthusiasm, flexibility, self-motivation, and good interpersonal and communication skills.

What qualifications are available?

A common route into publishing is through an entry-level administrative position, such as an editorial, marketing, or rights assistant role within a publishing house. As editorial positions are particularly competitive, many professionals gain experience and establish themselves in the industry through marketing, publicity, sales, or production roles before moving into editorial work

While specialist qualifications are not a requirement, there are a number of well-respected training providers offering a range of courses to suit different needs, including:

• London School of Publishing

While a postgraduate degree in publishing can demonstrate your commitment and give an understanding of the industry, this is not an essential requirement to get a role in publishing

The popularity of the publishing industry means that competition for entry-level roles is strong.  It is not essential to have work experience within a publishing house, instead consider transferable skills and experience through work experience undertaken at Nottingham for example internships or getting involved with and sector specific skills from work for example in bookshops, literary festivals and book fairs

Several employers offer work experience or internship opportunities these are competitive but worth looking out for and applying. For example:

There are also other ways to obtain experience that will be interesting to employers and allow you to build a useful network of contacts, for example:

• Work on a student newspaper or magazine.
• Produce a departmental student newsletter.
• Volunteer at , an online platform for publishing hopefuls to develop industry specific knowledge and skills.
• .
• Be active on social media - either X or Instagram. Lots of publishers have dedicated careers channels and advertise vacancies on social. 
• Work in a bookshop to find out what consumers think/want. You can learn how to write copy, what is selling, and what competing publishers are doing.
• Attend events that will expose you to the publishing industry. Find out which events we are running.
• Create a relevant blog.
• Freelance as a copy editor or proof-reader. Big publishing houses will continue to curate content, and employ an ever-increasing army of freelancers.
• Consider internships.

Paid experience can be difficult to find, so many students work voluntarily at first. This isn't a financially viable option for everyone especially as many publishing houses are based in London, but may be able to help. This is an organisation which matches interns from outside London with publishers who can offer a spare room. 

Read Lucy's career insight about her route into publishing

Entry-level jobs are advertised on the publishers website. Large publishing companies recruit more formally whereas smaller firms may accept speculative applications. Find out how to craft a speculative application.

Social media channels and blogs are also recommended places for finding out about entry-level opportunities and networking with people in the industry.

Don't be put off by a temporary contract, this is a way to build your experience and make useful contacts.

There are also a number of online sources and recruitment agencies advertising publishing jobs, including:

• BookCareers.com has a useful list of relevant recruitment agencies.

As well as the speculative approach, there are a number of online sources and recruitment agencies advertising publishing jobs, including:

has a useful list of relevant recruitment agencies.

While specialist qualifications are not a requirement, there are a number of well-respected training providers offering a range of courses to suit different needs, including:

• Research the publishing industry. Explore current trends, identify the sectors and roles that interest you, and develop your understanding of what is working well and the challenges facing the industry.
• Gain relevant experience. Build your knowledge of the book supply chain by seeking part-time work or volunteering opportunities in bookshops, supermarkets, libraries, or literary festivals or volunteer for
• Develop your administrative and digital skills. Administrative experience can provide a valuable route into publishing and related industries. Consider working in an office environment or volunteering to support a student society with administrative tasks. Alongside this, develop your digital skills, particularly in areas such as SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and Excel, which are highly valued by employers.
• Take advantage of 海角黑料 opportunities. Consider programmes such as:
  • Digital Marketing Academy
  • Nottingham Advantage Award (including the Experience Culture module)
  • Faculty of Arts Placement Team opportunities (for Arts students)
• Get involved with student and local publications. These can help you build a portfolio, develop your writing skills, and gain insight into the publishing and media industries:
  • .– Nottingham's student publication, offering experience in writing, editing, and publishing.
  • – A Nottingham-based culture and lifestyle magazine that provides opportunities to contribute content.
  • The Tab Nottingham – A great way to gain journalism and content-writing experience. No previous experience is required, and you can . by submitting a sample of your writing and the topics you would like to cover.
  • 海角黑料 Creative Writing Society Blog – A student-led platform that welcomes a wide range of written submissions, helping you gain experience, develop your portfolio, and share your work with a wider audience.
  • – Run by the School of English, this publication accepts handwritten letter submissions, providing an opportunity to develop your writing in a specific genre and build your portfolio.
• Build your professional network. Follow publishers, authors, industry professionals, and organisations on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X to stay informed about industry developments, opportunities, and current issues.
• Develop your LinkedIn profile. Join relevant professional groups, connect with 海角黑料 Alumni network , and use the platform to discover vacancies, industry news, and networking opportunities.